Today marks the 5th anniversary of the beginning of Strong Disciple. It is not an overstatement to say, God has been incredibly faithful, blessing this ministry in tremendous ways, nor an exaggeration that the very existence of this ministry is a “Wow, God Story!” In fact it calls to mind this verse in Psalm 92:4 – You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!
It is the great privilege of my life to minister and serve each of you through this ministry. God continues impacting lives through this vital ministry work, through the weekly Thoughts Provoking articles and messages on the Strong Disciple website. I regularly receive emails from people sharing how God has impacted their life in some significant way.
In commemoration of our 5th anniversary, I hope you enjoy these stories. This time, each one is written by a Pastor and spiritual leader, sharing their testimonials.
Pastor Mark,
I just want to thank you for the many ways God has used you to change and challenge my life.
As a very new believer, I sought your counsel and you helped me get a grasp on the truth and power of the love of God. In later years your example of zeal, passion for Jesus, love for your family and your hard work have been a model for me that still bears fruit today. Now, after five years of reading your Thoughts Provoking articles, I can truly say that your influence continues through all that you write. I am so thankful for your life, my brother, and have so much heart felt love and respect for you. I pray for you regularly and thank God for you. I am trusting God for many more years of having your life, words, and example strengthen my walk with God!
Again, thank you!
Sincerely,
Pastor Bill Young
The Rock Church-Utah
Director – M28 Alliance
Pastor Mark,
Thank you for your wisdom and the living example that you’ve shared through your weekly Thoughts Provoking articles. Your articles over the years have motivated and strengthened me to follow and rely on God and to trust His ways.
You’ve shared from your life to show men who their powerful, merciful, and good God is and why they can’t live their lives, lead their families, or be leaders in their communities without Him.
I am deeply grateful for your teachings as they have given me as a husband and father the guidance and motivation to seek God, trust in Him, take responsibility, and live humbly. I was following a path of selfish desires, pride, and hidden sins and with all my heart I believe that my life would look very different today without the wisdom God has shown me through your life and ministry.
I thank my God for you and your work for His glory!
Pastor Paul Hardman – Florida
Pastor Mark
I have read nearly all of your Thoughts Provoking articles since Strong Disciple began 5 years ago. They are nearly always a refreshment to my spirit or a welcome admonishment to my soul. They reflect the values that I took as my own many years ago, but are seldom heard now. I really appreciate Pastor Mark’s reminder of God’s place in our lives as our Hope and our Provider, but also being our Lord and our Leader. I appreciate the reminder about the essential centrality of the Word of God in our lives. And I appreciate his call to men, to husbands and to fathers.
I find myself forwarding them to friends, church leaders or other family members because they seem to address just what is needed in some particular struggle of the moment.
I get scores of newsletters in my inbox every week. Very few do I try to read consistently. But Monday mornings I read Pastor Mark’s Thoughts Provoking and I’m always glad I did. I’m thankful that Pastor Mark’s voice is still speaking into the lives of men.
Pastor John Meyer – Colorado
Pastor Mark
Congratulations, on five years of Strong Disciple ministry! I have known Pastor Mark for 40+ years. I have appreciated his teachings, shepherd’s heart, counsel and friendship over the years. Mark’s counsel has been invaluable in my life. I also know that Mark has been faithfully praying for me and my church for years. Mark is a real life example of 2 Tim. 1:3. I have really appreciated the weekly Thoughts Provoking articles. I have forwarded them to a number of friends. Keep up the good work brother. Thank you for teaching, counseling and praying for me.
Sure appreciate you!
Pastor Josh Whitney – The Rock Church-Utah
Friends, thank you for your generous support, your love, your prayers, and your friendship. God has used each and every one of you to make all this possible. Please join me in praying for the next 5 years of this ministry, that God would richly bless it and use it powerfully to impact men’s lives.
